When someone comes to the door, most homeowners are generally cautious. The doorbell rings, and they warn their children not to answer to strangers.

But what if that person is a contractor, someone you’ve hired to get a job done in your home? Are they still considered a stranger, or do they become trustworthy since you’re paying them for their service?

Unfortunately, the sad and often frightening reality is that many homeowners allow dangerous contractors into their homes daily under the guise of a service professional.

If you’ve seen news reports lately, the bodies of Cristie Codd, a Food Network star, and her husband, J.T. Codd, who was reported missing over the weekend, were recently discovered. Jason Owens was arrested for the murder of the couple and their unborn child…Jason was a contractor that the couple hired to perform work on their home.

As the sad details begin to emerge, homeowners must ask themselves, “Who can I trust inside my home?”. When it comes to the dangers of hiring contractors, there are three things that you, as a homeowner, should be aware of. Check these off the list when you’re choosing a company to work with.

1. Make sure the contractor or company is licensed and insured.

When hiring a professional, make sure they’re just that…professional. Licensed, bonded, and insured. When it comes to the company you choose, it’s best to go with a reputable business that puts its customers first by ensuring their employees are licensed for what they do.

2. Be sure they’re drug tested.

When choosing a contractor, make sure their technicians are drug tested, and not just once, but multiple times.

At F.H. Furr, drug tests are performed at random on a monthly basis. This assures customers that there won’t be anyone in their home who is under the influence of dangerous substances.

3. Be certain the company performs background checks.

This is a MUST. If the company you’re considering hiring for work in your home doesn’t require background checks of their employees, just say no. People you don’t know can be a risk as it is, but without background procedures, you could be inviting a criminal into your home.

With stories of abductions and murders committed by contractors or handypeople who first gain entrance into the home because of the trust in their profession, it pays to check the facts.

At F.H. Furr, our technicians are all licensed, drug tested, and background checked. Each is chosen based on their abilities as well as their personal character. Know the truth about the contractors in your home and keep your family safe.